‘Wraiths of the Broken Land’ is a western horror novel from author and filmmaker S. Craig Zahler; another badass title from the master of badass titles.
In the realm of gritty storytelling and visceral narratives, S. Craig Zahler stands as a luminary. Known for his impactful influence on writers, his work transcends genres, leaving an indelible mark.
(In fact, S. Craig Zahler has been such a major influence on Brickwall Pictures, Sam Kench he thanked him in the acknowledgments of his debut novel ‘The Fall of Polite’ .)
S. Craig Zahler
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For those initiated into Zahler’s universe, the journey often begins with his feature film directorial debut, ‘Bone Tomahawk.’ It serves as a precursor to his book ‘Wraiths of a Broken Land.’ A cinematic resonance intertwines these projects, with both encapsulating the essence of brutal westerns. Notably, ‘Wraiths’ and ‘Bone Tomahawk’ delve into the uncharted territory of horror-western fusion, a signature Zahler touch.
The Tale Unfolds
At the core of ‘Wraiths of a Broken Land’ lies a harrowing rescue mission. Two Plugford brothers, accompanied by their outlaw father and a duo of outsiders, embark on a perilous journey into a nightmarish Mexican brothel. Their mission: to liberate their sisters from the clutches of imprisonment, torture, and forced prostitution. Zahler masterfully weaves a brutal narrative, teeming with compelling characters, inventive scenarios, and the unapologetic violence that defines his distinctive style.
Parallel Horizons
Drawing parallels with ‘A Congregation of Jackals,’ another of Zahler’s brutal western creations, ‘Wraiths’ showcases the author’s ability to sculpt worlds where morality is tested, and survival comes at a savage cost. Every page of this horror-infused western is fraught with suspense and unpredictability. “Wraiths of a Broken Land” is a brutal story filled to the brim with compelling characters, inventive scenarios, and Zahler’s trademark violence.
BOOKS BY S. CRAIG ZAHLER
MOVIES DIRECTED BY S. CRAIG ZAHLER
S. CRAIG ZAHLER AUDIOBOOK
The Narrow Caves is the first Audiostate ever released, a new product combining the grandiosity of Hollywood films with the intimacy of audio to create an “ear-movie” experience. ‘The Narrow Caves‘, is a cosmic horror story conceived as a screenplay and executed as a fully produced Fangoria presentation. It’s fully voiced with the talents of by Vincent D’Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket, Daredevil), Will Patton (Armageddon, Falling Skies), Lili Simmons (Bone Tomahawk, Banshee) and Wyatt Russell (Everybody Wants Some, Black Mirror). The audiobook features extensive foley to give it a truly cinematic feeling.
One of the best parts of it is the original score, especially the theme song that plays at the start of each episode. It’s done by Zahler himself as part of his synth duo with Jeff Harriot, Binary Reptile.